NIH Radio
Modest Weight Loss Improves Bladder Control in Women with Pre-diabetes
Brief Description:
A diabetes prevention study has revealed another benefit of changing to a healthy lifestyle.
Transcript:
Schmalfeldt: A diabetes prevention study has revealed another benefit of changing to a healthy lifestyle. A study of women who participated in the Diabetes Prevention Program — a landmark clinical study funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases — showed that losing a modest amount of weight through dietary changes and increased physical activity reduces the occurrence of urinary incontinence in women with pre-diabetes. That's a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not yet diabetic. Dr. Jeanette S. Brown, lead author of the study, talked about the results.
Brown: Women who were in intensive lifestyle changes and lost five percent of their weight also had fewer episodes of weekly incontinence compared to the other group. Most likely it has to do with the weight loss. So we know that if you're a woman who's at risk for type 2 diabetes, preventing or delaying diabetes and improving bladder control are powerful reasons to make these lifestyle changes.
Schmalfeldt: In addition to other research designed to improve the treatment of diabetes and urologic disorders, the NIDDK also sponsors the "Let's Talk About Bladder Control for Women" program to inform women about treatmens for incontinence, from pelvic floor exercises to surgery. There's more info online at www.niddk.nih.gov. From the National Institutes of Health, I'm Bill Schmalfeldt in Bethesda, Maryland.
About This Audio Report
Date: 2/17/2006
Reporter: Bill Schmalfeldt
Sound Bite: Dr. Jeanette S. Brown
Topic: Diabetes, Weight Loss
Institute(s): NIDDK
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